Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3239, Christopher Eckler, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Eckler, Christopher
R. 3239
CONTENTS

Christopher Ecker III
1811
✓

State of New York ) County of Herkimer ) ss.
On this twelfth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the court of Common Pleas of the County of Herkimer — now sitting Christopher Eckler a resident of the town of Warren in the County of Herkimer and State of New York aged eighty three years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served and served as herein stated.
That at the commencement of the revolutionary war he resided at a settlement called the Kyle South of the Mohawk river being the same settlement as set forth in the declaration of Peter Eckler which accompanies this declaration, at which place he was enrolled as a private in Capt. Henry Eckler's Company also mentioned and described by the said Peter Eckler. That he knew and remembers the officers of the said Company as described by the said Peter Eckler, and that the said Company belonged to the Regiment Commanded by Col. Peter Bellinghausen. That he resided at the last mentioned place about three years, and left there with the rest of the inhabitants as described by the said Peter Eckler. That he removed to the Mohawk river where he remained during the remainder of the war and again returned to the Kyle as described by the said Peter Eckler. That he during the time he resided at the Kyle, which was a frontier

Settlement was constantly equipped and was as constantly engaged as a militia man when first raised and used at home in defending the said settlement as - the said Peter Ecker was constantly equipped for service and was with him at all the - places mentioned in his declaration when abroad on duty except the alarms previous to the battle near of Fort - Stanwix on the Mohawk, when the said Peter was and excepting his journey to Ticonderoga as directed by the said Peter went under the command of Capt. Eilenloco. But this Claimant was at the commencement of the war with the said Peter at Johnstown distant about thirty miles on the occasion - described by the said Peter in the winter season Ecker and on the several occasions as described by the said Peter at Germanflats Viz. three or four occasions, staying a few days each time. And this Claimant while residing at the Kyle and - before they abandoned those settlements was on one occasion engaged abroad when the said Peter Ecker was not engaged. This was in the year 1776 when Capt. - Henry Ecker's Company or draft of a certain num- ber from that Company as well as a like levy - from several other Companies of the neighboring militia marched to the protection of the frontier settlements at Unadilla about sixty miles to the south of this Claim- ant's residence. Here a compromise took place - between Gen. Herkimer and the celebrated indian Chief Joseph Brant and no fighting took place on this occasion. He remembers among the offi- cers who were present Genl. Herkimer Col. Bel- -linger, Major Clapsaddle and Capt. Henry Ecker That the said Capt. Henry Ecker and the above mention- ed Peter were brothers of this Claimant. That on remov- ing from the settlement at the Kyle to the Mohawk river

This Claimant was enrolled together with his son & brother Peter Eckler in Capt. Abraham Capenau's Company of Militia who were as set forth by the said Peter Eckler frequently as militia men  almost constantly on duty and more especially during the summer season at the fort. That he assisted in erecting Fort Plank, and remained const- -antly at the Fort. When not absent on duty, That - this Claimant having a family then residing at the Fort and the said Peter Eckler being a single man at that time this Claimant did not go abroad on duty as often as the said Peter but on those occasions remained doing duty at the Fort. That during one summer season after the erection of Fort Plank he removed his family near to Fort Kirtner and this claim- ant during that summer was called out to a settlement called Custerstown distant nine or ten miles, where the Indians had murdered some of the inhabitants and burnt their dwell- -ings. That he assisted in burying the dead and returned to the Fort. That while he was at Fort Kirtner he belonged to Capt. Edick's Company of Militia. Fort Kirtner was only about twenty miles from Fort Plank and during the Claimant's stay here he was frequently  almost constantly engaged on duty at the Fort, and in the Autumn ensuing returned again for the greater security of his family to Fort Plank where he remained during the remainder of the war. That he was frequently out in search of the savage enemy who were constantly - looting and committing murders upon the frontier inhabitants but the particular instances of such services he cannot now relate That during the whole war and more particularly in the summer season so constant were the services of this Claimant and the

Service Peter required at the Fork and in pursuit of the Enemy that they were  scarcely able to attend to any other business. That he believes his services in the whole amounted to at least two years. That this Claimant has no documentary evidence
of his services, nor has he ever had any Commission or written discharge. { That he was born near Fort Plain in the now county of Montgomery N.Y. in the year 1748.
That his brother Samuel Eckler has the record of his birth. That he lives in Columbia McKim Co. That after the War was over he removed to the State his former residence there to this day.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in Open Court
Julius C. Nelson Clerk his Christopher E Eckler mark
We Jacob Knauts a citizen of Germany residing in Stark McKim Co and Henry Grims residing in Warren in said County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Christopher Eckler who had subscribed and sworn to the above declaration. That we believe him to be eighty three years of age. That he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution. and that we - Concur in that opinion. Before me this 14th day of October 1832 - before me in Open Court
Sworn and subscribed this 14th day of October A.D. 1832 - before me in Open Court
S
Julius C. Nelson - Clerk for J. S. K. Smith Heinrich Grims
Christopher Eckler
And the said Court do hereby declare their opin- ion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Jacob Knauts who has

signed the preceding Certificate is a Pilgrim resident in the town of Stark in said the County of Franklin aforesaid, and that Henry Crim - who has also signed the same is a resident in the town of Warren in said County and is a credit- person, and that their statements is entitled to credit.
I Julius C. Nelson clerk of the Worcester Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Christopher Ecklen for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twelfth day of October A. D. 1832. Julius C. Nelson Clerk

State of New York County of Allegany ss.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Albany aforesaid, Christopher Eckler who being duly- sworn, deponeth and saith, that by reason of old- age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but as far as to the best of his recollection, he served not less than One year and Six months as a private Soldier, And for this he claims a pension. That since the making of his declaration he has more maturely considered the matter and has endeavored to make as exact a calculation as was in his power, And that the above is the result to which he has arrived, That in the above term of Eighteen Months he has not in- cluded any time during which he was employed in any civil pursuit, but has included that only during which he was actually engaged in per- forming the duty of a Soldier. That the places of his birth, residence and services are as set forth by him in his said declaration and that he has received any written discharge from service that he remembers -
And further saith not.
Sworn and subscribed this 10th day of June A.D. 1833 before me. And I do hereby certify that the said Christopher Eckler is a creditable person
Christopher Eckler mark
Isaac Davis Justice of the Peace

State of New York Albany County ss I, Horace Lathrop, Clerk of the said County, do certify that Elias Hawes Esq. before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in & for said County; and that I am acquainted with his hand writing & truly believe his name sub- scribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature. Witness my hand & seal of office this 12 th day of June 1833.
Horace Lathrop By C. E. Bruce Depy.

Christopher Ecker-
No. 18418

State of New York County of Albany
Peter Schler of Warren in the County of Herkimer being duly sworn saith that he is a brother of Christopher Schler a revolutionary soldier whose declaration of service is hereto annexed. That he resided either in the same family, or in the same neighborhood of the said Christopher when they were not actually abroad on duty, during the whole of the revolutionary war, excepting during one summer season when the said Christopher resided near Fort Schuyler about twenty miles from Fort Plank on the Mohawk river where this deponent then resided. That this deponent knows of the said Christopher having been for the greatest part of the time when at Fort Plank engaged in duty as a soldier at said Fort, and on frequent scouts in pursuing and guarding against the enemy. That he was attached to Capt. Abraham Coppersmith's Company of militia as set forth by him. That this deponent belonged to the same company at the same time. That he knew of the said Christopher being absent at the time of the expedition under Col. Cox and Genl. Herkimer as set forth by him & Madill having set out on said expedition together with other drafts and volunteers.

an said expedition and has always understood that he was with the expedition during the whole time. That he knew him to be at the Oriskany battle near Fort Stanwix as set forth by him, and also to have been at Johnstown on an alarm as so set forth and also that he embarked with this deponent - when the militia was called at the battle of Turlock but was taken sick on the road and obliged to return. That on these occasions this deponent was with him and knows of his going either as a draftsman, or volunteer. And this deponent saith that while the said Christopher and this deponent remained at Fort Plank from the Spring of 1878 to the close of the war the said Christopher as well as this deponent were almost exclusively engaged at the Fort in readiness for the enemy or on scouts and expeditions to other parts of the frontier. That this deponent so far as he had the opportunity of knowing fully concurs with the said Christopher in the statement of his services contained in his declaration hereto annexed, and verily believes the whole to be scrupulously correct. And further this deponent saith so.
Given this 28th day of July A.D. 1832 before me
Geo. T. Ekl.
John Harris Justice of the Peace.
And the said Justice before whom the above affidavit was taken do hereby certify that the said Peter Ekl. is a legally qualified Justice of the Peace and that his testimony as so deposed to by the statement of the said Christopher Ekl. may be relied upon. June 3, 1833.
John Harris Justice of the Peace

State of New York } County of _____ }
Christopher Ecker of Warren Peter Ecker in the County of Herkimer being duly sworn saith that he is a brother of Peter Ecker a revolutionary soldier whose declaration of services is hereto annexed. That during the revolution excepting one summer this deponent resided either in the same family or in the same neighborhood with the said Peter and dur- the said summer he excepted this deponent resided at Fort- Herkimer and the said Peter resided at Fort Plank on the Mohawk river. That this deponent knows of the said Peter Ecker having been attached first to Capt. Henry Ecker's Company of militia, and after- wards to Capt. Abraham Cuyler's Company as set forth in his said declaration. He also knows of the said Peter at the commencement of the War being called out on an alarm to Johnstown together with this deponent. Also his going to Tienderaga as set forth by him. Was with him at the Oriskany battle near Fort Stanwix where Genl. Herkimer was killed, also his being with the militia and Oneida Indians after the battle of Johnstown in fol- lowing the celebrated Brutter who was killed at that time by the American party who then followed him. He also knows him to have been in the levy of militia who were called out at the battle of Saratoga and that this deponent started with them as described by him. And this deponent further saith that the said Peter beside what is specified

in his said declaration was nearly all the time dur- -ing the whole year, but more particularly in the - Summer Season - Engaged as a melchisedecian in - guarding the Fort or in protecting the inhabitants - from the surrounding hostile savages. I did further this deponent saith not.
Sworn this 28th day of July A.D. 1832 { Christopher L. Coker his mark
Before me
Isaac Harris Justice of the Peace
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 28th day of July 1832 Christopher L. Coker the said Christopher L. Coker is known to me and is a credible - witness.
Isaac Harris Justice of the Peace
Peter Coker

State of New York } County of Albany } ss.
Henry Kneel of Hart in the County of Herkimer being duly sworn deposeth and saith. That he is well acquainted with Christopher Eckler and Peter Eckler whose papers are hereto annexed. That he knew them and lived near them during the revolutionary war. That this deponent and the said Christopher and Peter all belonged to Capt. Henry Eckler's Company of Militia . That the said Christopher & Peter lived at the Kyles and this deponent at the Osyague place, about three miles distant. That they all left their settlements and removed to Fort Plank in the spring of 1778, and there they knew each other well and made together most of the time. They belonged to the same Company. That he will remember being with the said Peter and Christopher at the Oriskany battle. That he was also with them three or four times at Germanflats, and with the said Peter several times before the battle of Oriskany, at Fort Stanwix on alarms, and was there himself when the fort was built. That he was also with the said Christopher at the time he mentions under Genl. Herkimer at Unadilla, and with both of them at Cherry Valley at the burning and murder committed by the Indians there. That while at Fort Plank he knows of them having helped build the fort, and being almost constantly on duty, then when not abroad that they for the most part lay in the fort. That the militia there, there being no regular troops  but few regular troops

there at any time, were obliged to garrison the fort, and perform regular garrison duty, and the said Christopher and Peter were did reg- ular garrison duty, during every summer then remained there. And this deponent further-
saith, nor-
His Henry X Shaul mark
Sworn & subscribed this 11th day of Aug. A.D. 1832.
Before me.
Attest. I have Justice of the Peace. And I the said Justice do further certify that the said Henry Shaul is law- fully sworn to the foregoing facts, and that the facts so sworn to are true to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. Given under my hand and the seal of said Justice this 11th day of August 1832.
Attest. I have Justice of the Peace
Henry Shaul & Asst. Peter & Chris. Eckert 3 Affidavits
State of New York. Otsego County for ss. I, Horace Lathrop, Clerk of the County of Otsego, do certify, that Salah Haveris Esquire, before whom the several preceding Affidavits purport to have been sworn, was, at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Otsego, duly elected & sworn as such. And also that I am acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe his name subscribed to the said several Affidavits to be his own proper hand writing and signature. Given under my hand & Official Seal, the 14th day of August 1832.
Horace Lathrop, Clerk.

State of New York Otsego County. — 3. I, S r Horace Sathrop, Clerk of the said County, do certify, that Solomon Sathrop whose name is subscribed to the preceding Certificate of the indebtedness of Peter Ecker, Christopher Ecker, & Henry Ecker, stands before whom the aforesaid defendants for part to have been examined at the date of the same, and ever since hath been and still is one of the trustees of the Bank in the said County; And that I am acquainted with his handwriting, and merely believe his name subscribed to the said Certificate as his proper hand writing and signature. Witness my hand and seal of Office this 3rd day of June 1833.
Horace Sathrop, Clerk.
in ad the for

Christopher Eckler
cf.
vol. 2
Mr. Barker agent Springfield Mass. June 1891

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Christopher E. Keller of Co. C 1st Regt N.Y. Vols.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Onion X Private Capt. James Keller Lieut. James Keller Sergeant James Keller Corporal James Keller Private James Keller Genl. John B. Mansfield Col. John B. Mansfield Brig. Genl. John B. Mansfield In the Battle of the Stone River - now the Battle of Shiloh April 6 & 7 1862 Midland Co. Tenn. 1818  
The Declarant mentions no definite period - but refers to the Declaration of Peter Hecker & says his service was nearly equal to his.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz.:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. _____ who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , in the militia, &c. without specifying the term, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular post or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public papers, a certificate by a Notary Public, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
P. O.
Christopher Eckler
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____ _____ _____
Re-enlisted: _____ _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____ _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.

New York Christopher Eckler
Revolutionary Suspended Let to Mr Baker Jan'y 19
1834 Let to same
June 20. 1834.
let to same 28. Aug t 1834
3239
117 June '32

Peter Ecker & Christopher Ecker
Supplemental Affidavits

State of New York Albany County ss
Christopher Coker of Stark in the County of Albany being duly sworn Elovorth and Saith that while he resided at Fort Plank as set forth in his this deponent's supplemental declaration he supposed himself under martial law, the company of militia to which he belonged being the only garrison for the said fort, excepting very rarely when a few regular troops were there for a short time only, That this deponent together with the residue of said company of militia regularly performed garrison duty at the Fort in obedience to the commands of the Officers at the Fort. That from the best recollection and belief this deponent was actually under arms in the performance of garrison duty at least one half of the time while at the fort, from the year 1778 to the year 1783 inclusive, and from the beginning of May to the beginning of December in each year excepting the time during which he was absent in one of the said seasons as set forth in his declaration. That he was always under the immediate command of Capt. Copenheim, and Major Housh who resided at the Fort. And further this deponent saith not.
Sworn this 31 st May A.D. 1834. Before me
Christopher Coker mark
Isaac Harns Justice of the Peace

State of New York County of Otsego ss.
Henry Eckler of Stark in the county of Herkimer in said State being duly sworn deponth- and saith that he is a nephew of Christopher Eckler and Peter Eckler who are applicants for pensions. That this deponent in the year 1780 went to reside at Fort Plank near the Mo- hawk River. That according to the recollection of this de- ponent Capt. Abraham Houk commanded the Company of Militia at the fort at that time, and that Abraham Copenman who also resided at the Fort was major in the regiment to which said Company belonged. That according to this de- ponent's recollection the said Christopher Eckler came to reside at the Fort in the year 1781, having the previous year resided in the neighborhood and belonged to a different Company That after the said Christopher came to reside at the Fort and from that time he belonged to the same Company with this deponent and remained in said Company during the remainder of the War. That he has no distinct recollection of seeing him in actual service on guard or otherwise, but as he belonged to the Company, and was an able bodied man and as there were but few men at the Fort, this depo- nent has no doubt he did perform similar services as those of the residue of the Company including this deponent.
This deponent further saith that according to his recollection, the said Peter Eckler who had also come to reside at Fort Plank, was absent at least a part of said year 1780, but from the end of that year, and during the years 1781, '82 & '83 the said Peter Eckler was regularly at the Fort belonged to the same Company with this depo- nent, and although this deponent does not rec- ollect seeing him on guard, still he has no doubt, he did regularly perform that duty in common with the rest of the Company dur-

the time aforesaid.
And this deponent further saith that the soldiers residing at the said fort, and attached to the company to which this deponent and the said Christopher & Peter Eckler belonged, were constantly under martial law, and subject to the command of the officers commanding at the fort, and so held themselves ready at all times to obey the orders of their officers and further saith not.
Sworn this 31 st day of May A.D. 1834.
His mark Henry & Eckler
Before me, and I do also certify that I am acquainted with the said Henry Eckler & believe him to be a credible person -
Isaac Davis Justice of the peace
State of New York
Chautauqua Co. ss. Horace Catthrop Clerk of the County of Chautauqua Do hereby certify that Isiah Davis Esquire before me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing affidavits of Peter Eckler Christopher Eckler Henry Eckler purport to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the said several affidavits a Justice of the peace in and for said County of Chautauqua And further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice & verily believe his name subscribed to said affidavits & to the above certificate of credibility to be his genuine signature Witness my hand & seal of office this 1 st day of June A.D. 1834 Horace Catthrop Clerk pro M. Richardson Deputy Clerk

State of New York)
County of Otsego ss.
Christopher Eckler of Herkco in the County of Herkimer and State of New York do hereby certify that he is an applicant for a pension under the law of Congress of 7th June 1832, being duly sworn deposeth and saith that the following as near as he can remember is a particular statement of his service in the War of the Revolution more generally set forth in his declaration, hereto annexed: viz:
In the early part of the Winter of 1776, or in December 1775 he served at Johnston under Capt. Eckler twelve days } 12
At Fort Herkimer in the Summer of 1776 on two separate occasions under Capt. Eckler one of eleven and one of ten days } 21
In the Summer of 1776 in a detachment sent to Unadilla under Genl. Herkimer Col. Dillinger, Maj. Clapsaddle and Capt. Eckler twelve days } 12
In the Summer of 1777 at the Battle at Oriskany under Capt. Eckler Genl. Herkimer commanding, and was killed. eight days } 8
In the Spring of 1778 removed to Fort Plank and thence early in the season to Fort Herkimer and served at Fort Herkimer, in standing guard at the Fort and on detachments abroad during that summer three months under Capt. Eckler } 3.00
In the early part of the Winter 1779 he returned to Fort Plank, and in the ensuing Summer he served at Fort Plank and on detachments abroad but mostly at the Fort five months under Capt. Copenham } 5.00
In the Summer of 1780 he served in like manner at Fort Plank under the same of-

State of New York)
County of Otsego ss. Christopher Eckler of Herkimer in the County of Herkimer and State aforesaid an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress of 7th June 1832, being duly sworn deposeth and saith that the following is as near as he can remember is a particular statement of his service in the War of the Revolution more generally set forth in his declaration, hereto annexed. Viz:
In the early part of the Winter of 1776, or in December 1775 he served at Johnston under Capt. Eckler twelve days 12
At Fort Herkimer in the Summer of 1776 on two separate occasions under Capt. Eckler one of eleven and one of ten days 21
In the Summer of 1776 in a detachment sent to Unadilla under Genl. Herkimer Col. Dillinger, Maj. Clapsaddle and Capt. Eckler twelve days 12
In the Summer of 1777 at the Battle at Oriskany under Capt. Eckler Genl. Herkimer commanding, and was killed. eight days 8
In the Spring of 1778 removed to Fort Plank and thence early in the season to Fort Herkimer and served at Fort Herkimer, in Standing guard at the Fort and on detachments abroad during that Summer three months under Capt. Elick 3.00
In the early part of the Winter 1779 he returned to Fort Plank, and in the ensuing Summer he served at Fort Plank on detachments abroad but mostly at the Fort five months under Capt. Copenorn 5.00
In the Summer of 1780 he served in like manner at Fort Plank under the same of-

-ficers five months 5. 00 In the year 1781 In the summer season he served in like manner at Fort Plank in 4. 00 the same Officers abovementioned four months In the summer of the year 1782 still at Fort Plank he served under the same officers in 3. 00 like manner three months
That the abovementioned services were perform- -ed as a private soldier, and that no time is inclu- -ded in the above statement, excepting that during which he was actually engaged on duty as a sol- -dier. And Jonathan Smith not. Sworn and Subscribed this 7th day of December } his A.D. 1833 } Christopher Cokler Before me mark 
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the original now on file in my office. State of New York } Onego County } I, Horace Lathrop Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Silak Havereng before whom the foregoing Affidavit was sworn to have been sworn to at the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in and for the said County and that I am acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe his name subscri- -bed to the said Affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature. Witness my hand and seal of office this twenty fifth day of December 1833 Horace Lathrop Clerk W. M. Richardson Depy.
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